Andorra la Vella Council Identifies Bidder for Pouets Car Park Concession

The Andorra la Vella council has received a single bid to convert the long-closed Els Pouets car park on Carrer de l’Alzinaret into a storage facility for personal or business items, with approval expected at a council session next week.

The proposal, which focuses primarily on rental storage spaces—known locally as trasters—emerged from a revised national tender process launched in April. An earlier attempt earlier this year drew no interest, prompting officials to consult non-bidding firms, clarify specifications, and broaden eligibility. Changes included allowing mixed uses such as social, sports, or cultural activities alongside parking, rather than restricting bids to vehicles only.

Cònsol Major Sergi González first disclosed the bidder's interest during a council meeting on 22 July, noting that the firm would handle design, renovations, operations, and maintenance for up to 50 years. It commits to a fixed monthly canon of €4,000 to the council, irrespective of the activities pursued. González emphasised the site's role in boosting economic and cultural vitality in the parish, though he did not reveal the company's identity or full plans ahead of formal review.

Sources close to the process stress the need for thorough explanation of the single submission, which may include elements beyond storage. The council retains ownership, while the concessionaire manages the property amid anticipated significant upfront investment. Reviving the facility, shuttered since 2017 and infamous for construction flaws, aligns with key pledges by the ruling Enclar coalition, potentially aiding their re-election bid despite the late stage of their term.

Past ideas for the site—from a cable car base to a business incubator—failed to materialise, leaving it a persistent burden. Authorities aim to unblock the project through this deal, though the extent and timeline of required works remain under evaluation.